CMA Ontario Convocation - Chris Hadfield

The key note speaker this year was Chris Hadfield and he was every bit the engaging speaker, that we have heard about and come to appreciate via his social media links while in space. He expertly weaved together his leadership experiences with the business challenges the graduates would be facing, displaying a natural sense of humour and comfort with the audience. I got an opportunity to meet with him before the event and, it sounds cliche, but he is really down to earth. I hope he continues to make science accessible ....

TSO POPS - Cirque de la Symphonie

Awesome show. As my teen son says "you can't beat the combination of circus and great music". Some pretty incredible, flexible, nimble, comic and incredibly strong performers. I guess that could apply to the orchestra too, given the beautiful and challenging pieces they played. We really enjoyed this opening to the POPS season!

Soulpepper - Farther West

Interesting depiction of the dichotomy between pious and wanton. In the old west, pushing the boundaries of civilization, this play imagines what life would have been like for a woman, who craves personal freedom above all else, in a world that sees her as a chattel, always trying to bind her by someone else's rules. Based on the life of a true character, who earned some notoriety running a brothel and evading the clutches of men - both good and evil. Be prepared for some nudity and lewd behavior.

AGO - Ai WeiWei: According to What ?

I saw this show in Washington last fall, but enjoyed it much more here in Toronto - it probably helped that my companion had a lot of background knowledge on Ai WeiWei and the show. Paying attention to the messages underlying his work, you gain a real appreciation for how modern art can speak. Knowing the relationship of each piece to Ai WeiWei's life experiences added a lot of depth and insights into the struggles of the disadvantaged in China. I found it to be a compelling and moving show and strongly encourage you to read the inscriptions by the pieces as you go through, but perhaps also to read a little about the artist before you visit the show.

AGO - David Bowie is

I have to admit I only attended this show as a good friend of mine was really interested in going. However, I was very pleasantly surprised as the integration of sound and visuals evoked many memories and it was an amazing presentation of a large body of work. Not being a Bowie fan did not stop me from enjoying the rich display of costumes and artwork, marveling at what a unique character he is and how he has changed his persona over the years. The interactive nature of the exhibits was a creative and enjoyable approach to experiencing this installation and this was evident in the packed house, as people were clearly taking their time. You must see this show, whether you are a Bowie fan or not, but hurry as many time slots are already sold out.

CanStage - Venus in Fur

Great show! The female lead is incredible - great comedic timing and effortless shifting between very disparate characters. The plot deliciously builds to a not entirely unanticipated climax. Beautifully written and artfully executed - you will thoroughly enjoy this play.

Nuit Blanche

So half of my family was out and about with our posses for Nuit Blanche and, no surprise, we didn't run into each other. With the press of crowds in some locations we could have been two feet apart and not known it.

Kicked off the evening at the Cocktail Generator Gala. Pick you primary taste, secondary aftertaste and finish and the mixologists will put it together for you - a different drink every time. There were some hits and a few misses.

Wandering up Queen, from Bathurst to City Hall, we passed several installations. Had a nice pit stop at the Yellow Tail tent, where we enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine while being entertained by various circus performers.

Checked out the installations around City Hall, in particular the Ai Weiwei bicycles and observed the phenomenon that was a one hour line-up at Starbucks - I guess these people really had all night!

Ended the evening at Wychwood Barns to check out a flaming musical instrument and the Artscape Glass and Pottery show. Some really great finds at the show.

Saw lots of groups of young teens (my son was somewhere out there with his friends), taking in the opportunity to stay out late and enjoy the city in a new way.

I didn't last all night, but certainly enjoyed the event, and outlasted my son .........